Shreveport-Bossier Journal

The in and out of prep baseball warmups is no longer routine

The Loyola baseball team had just finished taking infield practice before the 1999 Class 2A state championship game in Baton Rouge and the Flyers were coming off the field as Teurlings Catholic was preparing for its turn.

“Have a seat, guys,” said Flyers’ assistant coach Glen Hunt. “It’s time to watch the circus.”

And it was. Teurlings put every single player on the field – not just the starters – and proceeded to have an infield-outfield session that had to be seen to be believed. (Loyola had seen it the previous day in the semifinals.)

There were always at least three live baseballs in play at one time and nobody ever stopped moving. There was enough choreography going on to make a Broadway producer jealous.

It’s hard to know exactly what kind impact it had on the Flyers as they watched from the first base dugout. It may be too much to say that the Flyers had lost before the game even started, but it sure didn’t take long. Loyola lost 12-1. It only took five innings.

There’s a lot more going on in pre-game practice in baseball than just take a few ground balls. Or even for those who don’t take any.

The popular term for taking pre-game infield and outfield practice is “in and out” but while some teams are still “in,” there are a growing number who are “out.” Put it this way – don’t be surprised if at least one of the teams doesn’t trot out there for a few grounders before the game starts.

“I’ve got a philosophy on that,” says veteran Haughton coach Glenn Maynor. “If the team we are playing doesn’t want to take infield or outfield before a game, that team shouldn’t beat us.”

Imagine going to a football game and the place kickers didn’t come out early and practice some kicks. Not a care in the world about the wind conditions.

How about a basketball game in which the players didn’t take a few layups or practice a few free throws just to get a feel for the tightness of the rims or the depth perception of the goal?

But it happens in baseball – and a lot more than you’d think.

At the Class 5A level, almost all continue to take in-and-out before the game, but the lower you go in classification, the more likely it is that they might not.

“We take it (on the road) so that we can get used to the field and get settled in before the game starts,” said Byrd coach Greg Williams. “On the road, you are looking to see how the grass plays and how the ball reacts. At home, you already know that, but baseball coaches like routine and that’s just what we like to do.”

You probably won’t see the “circus,” but most teams that do take it like to send more than just the starters on the field. “It’s not really a game, but it feels like one to the younger players,” Northwood’s Austin Alexander said. “It’s a free chance to get some game experience for some of those guys.”

Early-season tournaments or weather conditions can be a reason to not take infield, but for teams that don’t take it before a game, there’s a simple reason why: They don’t want to give the opposition a free scouting report.

At least, that’s the thought process.

Maynor says he really doesn’t pay much attention to what the opposition is doing. “I might ask my assistant coach about how the outfield arms are,” he says. “But for most part, I’ve got my own team to worry about before a game starts.”

“I check to see about the outfield arms,” Williams said. “A lot of times I’ll look and see if a guy pitched a few nights before, how he’s throwing the ball.”

Alexander says he didn’t take in-and-out his first two years, but does it now and his players look forward to it.

“They love it,” the fourth-year coach said. “It’s a big deal to them and they take a lot of pride in it.”

So what if the pre-game session doesn’t go so well, with dropped fly balls and through-the-wickets grounders?

“Better to get that out of the way before the game,” Alexander says, “than during it.”

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com

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Politicians and diapers

March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 / NPJ

There are many differences between the French and Americans. Over here, it’s common for conservatives to look down on European nations, reserving greater amounts of agitation for Parisians and their fellow countrymen and women.

You know the jokes. The ones about the white flags. The ones about World War II. The ones about Freedom Fries. Etc. Tensions reached an all-time high about 20 years ago when they wouldn’t join in a war that turned out to be as false as they said it was. No WMDs. And Iraq, as well as the entire Middle East, is more unstable now than at any point in modern history. A lot of good men and women died.

We have differences. And they extend beyond drinking hot brown water and eating snails.

But there’s one area in which we could learn a lot from the nation across the Pond.

They know how to stand up for themselves, and they know their government works for them and not the other way around. The French have always held their politicians accountable. These are the people that invented the guillotine and went on a bloody rampage against the king and queen and nobility a few hundred years ago because of the greed and apathy of the ruling class.

Currently, the French are having nationwide protests because of workers’ rights and governmental lunacy. This is a standard operating procedure for French citizens when they don’t like what their government is doing. And as a result, the French enjoy a much better standard of living than us and have happier lives because they will take nothing less. I saw a video of a garbage truck full of trash being dumped on a politician’s yard because of the politician’s policy stances. The nation is at a standstill because its people will not budge.

Meanwhile, over here in little Louisiana, a state with deep French roots, we’ve got a politician pushing a bill that would triple legislator pay. Being a politician shouldn’t be a career. Politicians shouldn’t be deified and made celebrities and asked for autographs and have rallies celebrating them.

In a society long ago, politicians and actors were treated relatively poorly because they didn’t add much value to society. Somewhere along the way, Americans changed and actors and politicians went from being our servants to our overlords.

We need to be more like the French in our view of elected officials. They shouldn’t talk down to us. They shouldn’t look down on us. They work for us.

The old joke goes politicians are like diapers. They should both be changed often and for the same reasons.

Josh Beavers is a teacher and a writer. He has been recognized five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.

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LAST CHANCE: Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival EARLY BIRD TICKET sale ends this week!

March 31, 2023 / NPJ

GET YOUR Natchitoches Jazz/R&B EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW!!!

THIS WEEK IS YOUR LAST CHANCE to secure your 2023 tickets at the lowest price possible for the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival on May 12th & 13th.

The Early Bird sale ends March 31st at 11:59 pm!

Buy tickets and be entered in the Steel Magnolia’s Getaway Giveaway!

VIP ticket buyers will be entered into an exclusive VIP Giveaway to be announced! STAY TUNED!

Get your tickets & enter the giveaway here:

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

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Bossier booking information: Christofer Wayne Perkins, felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Bond: $600,000

March 31, 2023 / NPJ

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.***

Christofer Wayne Perkins

Age: 28
Race: White
Sex: Male

Current booking information:

14:80. Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Bond: $150,000
14:81. Indecent behavior with juveniles. Bond: $225,000
14:80. Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Bond: $225,000

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Caddo booking information: Toby Wayne Yates, simple burglary. Bond: $18,800

March 31, 2023 / NPJ

Toby Wayne Yates

Age: 46
DOB: 8/1/1976
Race: White
Sex: Male

Current booking information:

Description: Possession of schedule II. Bond: $2,500
Description: Driving under suspension. Bond: $1,000
Description: Failure to register a vehicle. Bond: $100
Description: Tail lamps. Bond: $100
Description: No insurance. Bond: $100
Description: Simple burglary. Bond: $15,000

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Airline rebounds with non-district softball win

JOURNAL SPORTS

A couple of days after dropping a tough pitchers’ duel for the district championship to Natchitoches Central, Airline had to hold off a rally by defending small school state champion Many for a 12-11 non-district win at home Thursday.

The Lady Vikings picked up their 20^tnwin in 27 games with a six-run second inning to take a 7-2 lead into the fourth inning. Lindsey Marcinkus broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run single and Natalie Sutton later made it 7-2 with a two-run double.

Many came back and tied the game 8-8 with two runs in the fifth. Airline leadoff hitter Elena Heng hit a two-run home run to break the tie in the bottom of the inning and Sutton added a run-scoring single to stake the Lady Vikes to an 11-8 bulge.

Heng had an RBI groundout in the sixth for a 12-10 advantage that proved to be the cushion Airline needed.

Sutton was 3-for-4 with four RBI, Heng was 2-for-5 with three RBI and Haley Whiteside went 2-for-4 with a double.

CALVARY 9, OUACHITA CHRISTIAN 3: The Lady Cavaliers picked up win No. 20 on the season in taking the non-district game at home. DJ Lynch homered and was 3-for-4 and Carlie Guile and Elana Franks both had a double and home run. Tavia Leadon had two hits in three at bats and Ramsey Walker also hit a home run for Calvary (20-8).

CEDAR CREEK 17, BENTON 9: In Ruston, the Lady Tigers couldn’t keep up with the Lady Cougars. Sophia Livers was 4-for-5 with a double. Olivia Burns had a home run and was 2-for-4, while Ashley Promes drove in three runs and had a single and double for Benton (14-13).

CAPTAIN SHREVE 12-17, CASTOR 0-7: The host Lady Gators got the doubleheader sweep as Meagan Hill hit a three-run home run and finished with a team-high four RBI in the 12-0 win. Lauren Simpkins was 2-for-3 with a double and Ella Hendrick got the win in the circle with 10 strikeouts. Hendrick was 3-for-3 with a double and home run in the second game. Jayda Martin had two doubles and a single along with Aubry Townsend, who was 3-for-4 with three RBI.

ST. MARY’S 2, NORTHWOOD 1: The Lady Tigers scored a pair of runs in the first inning and made them hold up for the non-district win at home. Cameron Clark was the hard-luck loser in the circle working six innings, allowing five hits, two runs, and striking out four. She also had a double at the plate for Northwood (12-7).

LAKESIDE 7, EVANGEL 1: Brooklyn Horton and Gabbi Olague were both 2-for-4 for the host Lady Eagles, who stayed close until a four-run seventh inning by the Lady Warriors. Evangel dropped to 7-18 on the season, while Lakeside improved to 15-10.

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Bedgood, Hermes continue to lead Calvary to wins

JOURNAL SPORTS

Cade Bedgood and Aubrey Hermes had plenty of big plays on the gridiron in the fall for Calvary and are now coming up with big plays on the diamond for the Cavaliers as they defeated Lakeside 11-8 Thursday in a District 1-2A game at home.

Bedgood had a pair of doubles in going 3-for-4 with three RBI and Hermes was 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and three runs scored to highlight a 13-hit attack. Jackson Legg and Judson Funderburk both had a pair of singles for Calvary (11-8, 4-0).

Kyzer Smith got the win on the mound working five innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs and striking out three.

The three-game series continues today with a doubleheader in Minden.

PARKWAY 7, HAUGHTON 6: The Panthers held on for the 1-5A win and moved back into sole possession of first place coupled with an Airline loss. Trent Lape homered and along with Barrett Newman drove in two runs for Parkway (17-4, 6-1). Shawn Driggers was 2-for-4 at the plate and got the win on the mound.

BENTON 14, AIRLINE 3: The Tiger bats were hot with 15 hits as Gavin Jacobs led the way with three hits and drove in two. Benton (13-12, 5-2) moved into a second-place tie with Airline as Brady Blaylock (2-for-4), Cale Latimer (2-for-4), Kenner Lauterbach (2-for-3) and Jackson Jones (2-for-4) all contributed multiple hits and Hunter Brignac drove in three runs, two on a third-inning double.

Collin Wiggins and Logan Scripture (2-for-3) drove in runs with back-to-back doubles for Airline (11-11, 5-2).

BYRD 9, CAPTAIN SHREVE 3: At Captain Shreve, the Yellow Jackets scored three runs in each the third and fourth innings to knock off their rivals in a 1-5A game. Kevin Robinson (2-for-4) doubled in two runs in the third inning and finished with three RBI and Hayden Hoffpauir was 2-for-4 for Byrd (16-10, 3-4). Dawson Meeks got the win with six innings of work, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned), as he walked one and struck out four.

Walker Wicklund doubled and tripled in three at bats for Captain Shreve (13-9, 4-3).

NORTHWOOD 9, MINDEN 4: The Falcons stayed undefeated (5-0) and atop the District 1-4A standings with the home win. Tucker McCabe (3-for-4) and Jaxon Bentzler (4-for-4) combined for seven of Northwood’s 11 hits and both had doubles. Cayne Little and Brendan Burns added doubles and Luke Bloxom drove in two runs for Northwood (19-5, 5-0). Jakobe Jackson was 2-for-3 with a double for Minden (14-8, 2-1).

NORTH DESOTO 9, EVANGEL 5: The Griffins scored six runs in the first inning to cruise past the Eagles and stayed on the heels of the Falcons with a 4-0 District 1-4A record. Evangel (7-17, 3-1) got multiple hits from Garrett Burns and Kody Jackson who were 2-for-4 and Brody Turnipseed was 2-for-3.

LOYOLA 11, D’ARBONNE WOODS 3: At Farmerville, the Flyers pounded out 14 hits with Hayden Horton and Cain Feibel leading the way with three each and both had doubles. Konnor O’Neal and Gray Deason were both 2-for-4 with a double. Jake Black was 2-for-3 and along with O’Neal drove in two runs for Loyola (5-18, 4-6).

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Thursday’s baseball, softball scoreboard; upcoming schedule

College Baseball

Thursday’s score

LSU 5, Tennessee 2

Today’s games

Tennessee at LSU, 6 p.m.

Dallas Baptist at Louisiana Tech, 3 p.m.

Centenary at Trinity, 6 p.m.

Northwestern State at New Orleans, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

Louisiana Christian at LSUS, DH, 2 p.m.

Centenary at Trinity, DH, 1 p.m.

BPCC at Navarro, DH, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at LSU, 1 p.m.

Northwestern State at New Orleans, 2 p.m.

Dallas Baptist at Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m.

Sunday’s games

Louisiana Christian at LSUS, noon

Northwestern State at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Dallas Baptist at Louisiana Tech, 1 p.m.

College Softball

Thursday’s scores

No games scheduled

Today’s games

N.C. State vs. Louisiana Tech, at LSU, 11:30 a.m.

BYU vs. Louisiana Tech, at LSU, 2 p.m.

Houston Christian at Northwestern State, DH, 4 p.m.

Southern U. at Grambling, 3 p.m.

Saturday’s games

Centenary at Trinity, DH, noon

Houston Christian at Northwestern State, noon

Southern U. at Grambling, DH, noon

BPCC at Paris, DH, 1 p.m.

N.C. State vs. Louisiana Tech, at LSU, 1:30 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at LSU, 4 p.m.

Sunday’s game

Centenary at Trinity, noon

High School Baseball

Thursday’s scores

District 1-5A

Benton 14, Airline 3
Byrd 9, Captain Shreve 3
Parkway 7, Haughton 6

District 1-4A

Northwood 9, Minden 4
North DeSoto 9, Evangel 5

District 1-2A

Calvary 11, Lakeside 8
Loyola 11, D’Arbonne Woods 3

Non-District

Converse 15, North Caddo 0

Today’s games

District 1-4A

North DeSoto at Evangel

District 1-2A

Calvary at Lakeside, DH

D’Arbonne Woods at Loyola, DH

Non-District

Captain Shreve at Converse

St. Mary’s at Parkway

Saline at Huntington

Franklin Parish at Northwood

North Caddo at Logansport

Plain Dealing at Ringgold

Saturday’s games

District 1-5A

Airline at Benton

Captain Shreve at Byrd

Parkway at Haughton

Southwood at Natchitoches Central, DH

Non-District

Red River at North Caddo

High School Softball

Thursday’s scores

District 1-4A

Minden 15, BTW 0

Non-District

Airline 12, Many 11
Captain Shreve 12-17, Castor 0-7
Cedar Creek 17, Benton 9
North DeSoto 7, Natchitoches Central 1
Montgomery 2, Parkway 0
St. Mary’s 2, Northwood 1
D’Arbonne Woods 16, Byrd 1
Saline 20, Southwood 10
Lakeside 7, Evangel 1
Calvary 9, Ouachita Christian 3
Loyola 10, River Oaks 0
Haynesville 19-15, Bossier 1-0

Today’s games

District 1-4A

Woodlawn at Evangel

Caddo Magnet vs. Woodlawn, Cargill 5 p.m.

Non-District

Byrd at Stanley

Parkway at North Webster

Arcadia at Green Oaks

Loyola at North Caddo

Saturday’s game

North DeSoto at Calvary, 1 p.m.

Schedules are subject to cancellations and postponements.

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Mudbugs look to solve NAHL-best Oklahoma

***(Photo courtesy Shreveport Mudbugs)***

By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

One look at the standings would make it seem as if it’s easy to identify the focus for the Shreveport Mudbugs entering the penultimate road series of the 2022-23 regular season.

The Mudbugs need just a single point to clinch a playoff spot in the South Division. However, with six games remaining, the odds of missing the postseason are astronomical. The biggest obstacle in front of Shreveport is Oklahoma, the team with the best record (42-11-1) in the North American Hockey League and winners in five of six games against the Mudbugs this season.

This weekend’s trip to Oklahoma City gives Shreveport (32-15-7) an opportunity grab momentum against a squad it will likely have to run through to clinch another trip to the Robertson Cup semifinals.

“It’s a good weekend for us to see where we’re at,” said Mudbugs head coach Jason Campbell, whose team opens the two-game series tonight. “They are one of the top teams in the league. Hopefully we’re right there.”

The Mudbugs had a seven-game win streak snapped at Odessa on Saturday and haven’t had an issue competing with the Warriors. Closing the deal is another story.

The season series has been rather remarkable.

Shreveport scored the first three goals Oct. 29 at the Blazers Ice Centre and led 3-0 with less than 8 minutes left in the game before losing 4-3.

On Jan. 13, Shreveport wasted a 3-1 lead.

The next night, the Mudbugs blew a 3-0 lead when Oklahoma scored six unanswered goals on George’s Pond.

“That’s been a while ago,” Campbell said of the meltdowns.

The Warriors are stacked at the top of their lineup. They boast two of the top-five point-getters in the league (Joey Delgreco, 65 points; Drew Sutton, 61).

“They are pretty loaded up front,” Mudbugs forward Jaden Goldie said. “They have a lot of speed and they like to spread the ice. They attack off the rush really well — we have to play the best defensive game we can and hope we bury a few.”

Campbell gave his team an extra day off after the return from Odessa. At this point of the season, managing the health of a team can be as important as acquiring points.

“Guys have been really working hard lately,” Campbell said. “We thought the extra day might be the best thing to rejuvenate and get ready for a big weekend.”

Another big weekend it is — time to prove the Mudbugs can not only hang with the best, but they can finish them off, too.

“If not, we better get back to the drawing board quick,” Campbell said.

Mudbugs at Oklahoma

Tonight, Saturday (both 7:15 p.m.)

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @roylangiii

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NSU’s new basketball coach reflects on his ‘dream job’

March 31, 2023 / Megan Lowe

REUNITED: Northwestern State athletics director Kevin Bostian (left) and new Demons’ basketball coach Rick Cabrera first met when both worked at Tennessee Tech a decade ago. Cabrera becomes the 11^th coach in NSU history. (Photo by CHRIS REICH, Northwestern State)

By JASON PUGH, Special to the Journal

NATCHITOCHES – Rick Cabrera’s introduction as Northwestern State’s new basketball coach Thursday afternoon was just another part of a longtime dream.

“My dream job is being here as your head coach,” Cabrera told NSU supporters in an afternoon event on campus. “When I decided to get into coaching, I laid down at night and said, ‘I want to be a Division I head basketball coach.’ This is my first opportunity, so this is my dream job. I’m so greatly appreciative of having this opportunity. There are only 363 (Division-I head coaching jobs). I had people believe in me that I was the next man to win an NCAA Tournament game.

“Just watching a Fairleigh Dickinson, Florida Atlantic, I say, ‘Why not us?’ That’s the attitude you’ve got to have.”

Cabrera, 47, said he wants to instill a “tough” team for the 2023-24 season and beyond, but Thursday was a chance for the first-time Division I head coach to show the other side of his emotional spectrum.

He fought back tears when speaking about his wife, Danielle, and had to compose himself when his thoughts turned to his late father Hugo Sr., saying out loud through a raspy voice, “I’m not going to talk about Dad,” to which his sister sitting in the front row responded, “He’s here.”

A six-year head coach at Lackawanna College (2004-08) and Tallahassee Community College (2021-23), Cabrera compiled a record of 152-45. He guided TCC to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Final Four and a 31-6 record this winter, earning HoopDirt.com’s NJCAA national Coach of the Year honor.

He has also accumulated 13 years as a Division I assistant at Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay and Arkansas State.

“As we went through the search process, it was clear coach Cabrera possessed all the qualities we desired in a head coach,” NSU director of athletics Kevin Bostian said. “We wanted somebody who was an elite recruiter and a developer of young men, not only on the court but off it as well. We wanted someone to fit the culture of Northwestern State. His enthusiasm, passion, energy and hands-in-the-dirt approach and grind-it out work ethic were a perfect match.”

Cabrera’s biggest takeaways from his journey? Patience and the value of family.

Throughout his remarks, Cabrera referenced a handful of quotes. One related to the Cabrera family as a whole.

“A quote that has always stuck in my head is, ‘A good coach needs a patient wife or husband, a loyal dog and a great post player, but not necessarily in that order,’” he said. “I definitely have two of the three in a patient wife and a loyal dog. I have a great post player coming, just wait and see.”

For Cabrera, Thursday’s introduction was the culmination of a two-decade journey that began as a graduate assistant at Tennessee Tech where he played basketball and baseball. It wound through Miami Killian High School and Keystone College before taking him to Lackawanna College in his wife’s hometown of Scranton, Pa.

It was during his time at Keystone that Cabrera had a bit of an epiphany and discovered just how much he wanted to coach basketball.

“I was a dorm director and an assistant coach at Keystone College,” Cabrera said. “I wish I had kept my first pay stub from Keystone College. I remember it. With taxes taken out, it was $159.38 just for the coaching stipend. That was every two weeks. I’ll never forget it. I’m out of college, and I have a master’s degree. I’m thinking, ‘What am I doing?’ It’s all about patience. It has paid off. It has allowed me to take care of myself and my family.”

It also led Cabrera to a place that helped him develop as a New York City high school basketball player.

“Dale Brown is a great friend, not a good friend,” Cabrera said of LSU’s legendary former coach. “I talked to him this morning for 20 minutes. He’s 87 years old and kicking like he did when he was 45. When I was (growing up) in New York City, Dale Brown was great friends with my dad, and my dad got him a player by the name of Jose Vargas from the Dominican Republic. Dale said, ‘Bring your son to our camp.’ I went my freshman year, sophomore year, junior year and senior year. Dale is a mentor of mine. He’s always been good to me.”

Brown wasn’t the only iconic Louisiana coach Cabrera referenced Thursday. He paid respects to longtime Demon head coach Mike McConathy.

“Mike McConathy is a guy I followed in my Division I career,” Cabrera said. “He was a heck of a coach. One of my assistant coaches came up to me in my first year at Tallahassee in the middle of the season. We were struggling on getting some offense early in the shot clock. He came up to me and said, ‘Coach, listen, I was at Southeastern Louisiana. That coach at Northwestern State had an unbelievable secondary break. They scored really quickly. At some point, they led the country in scoring (2014-15).’

“I don’t have an ego. I steal from everybody in the coaching community. I said, ‘OK, let’s try it. As a head coach, I’m going to allow you to put it in.’ He put it in and our offense was like, ‘Pop.’ It changed in a day.

“Thank you, coach McConathy. I appreciate that. Your legacy is still here. As an assistant coach, I watched you win a lot. I look forward to talking to you in the near future.”

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

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Preparing for a national championship event

March 31, 2023 / Megan Lowe

Bass fishermen are always dreaming of participating in a national championship. The ultimate event and goal of all anglers from the day they’re born is to be in the Bassmaster Classic, the Super Bowl of bass fishing, the crown jewel, an event that draws anglers from all over the world.

There are so many tournament trails of all levels, and most have a path by which you can qualify for either a regional or a national championship event. Today you’ll get to hear how I, and so many other anglers, prepare for a championship event.

Coming up next week on beautiful Red River out of Red River South Marina just south of Bossier City, one such event will be taking place — the ABA Ray Scott National Championship. This is a tournament that an angler must qualify for by finishing in the top five in the Angler of the Year standings in one of 16 divisions nationwide from New York down to Florida over to Texas and all points in between. It truly is a national circuit with some great anglers.

For the last month, anglers including myself have been on the unpredictable and ever-changing Red River despite the high, cold, and muddy water. Now why would anglers be looking for fish two months in advance when the tournament doesn’t start until April 1?

With most major national championships, there’s what’s called a dead water period. This rule states that no angler can be on the Red River nor receive any information starting at sunset on March 1 until sunrise on April 1. This rule is in place so that local anglers don’t have an unfair advantage over those coming from all parts of the country. So, before this dead water period begins, anglers are looking for good backwater areas that have some fairly clean water that might still be holding bass at the start of the tournament.

After the dead water period is over (sunrise April 1), it’s tournament time. For this event we’ll have four official practice days followed by four competition days.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to practice. Some anglers go out and fish just like they would in a tournament by hooking all the fish they can and seeing how big they are. Then there are anglers like me who refuse to hook a bass and will put some form of plastic tubing over their hooks to make sure they do not hook fish that they might catch during the actual tournament.

There’s also a thing called “sore mouthing” fish which is when you hook fish a day or two before the tournament. These fish probably will not bite for another three or four days unless it’s during the spawn when bass will bite multiple times in one day. It all depends on the time of year.

For this angler, I’ll be looking for areas holding several schools of bass while looking for quality. Having multiple schools in an area is great, but only if they are bass with good size that allows me to be competitive. Small bass, known as “dinks,” will not put you in the winner’s circle in any event.

My tournament history on the Red River has shown that you need several areas that you can rotate to, especially with this event being four days. With over 100 anglers participating, there’s a lot of pressure on the fish and a lot of anglers will find the same schools. That’s why it’s important to find as many schools of bass as possible, in multiple locations, so that you don’t burn all your fish on the first or second day of competition.

After four days of practice, it’s time to go to work. This is when all those long days on the water hopefully pay off. Bass fishing tends to reward those anglers who put in the long hours of practice and preparation; long days starting at 5 a.m., fishing hard until the sun goes down.

There’s a saying among all anglers, “There’s no substitute for time on the water.” Anglers that follow this golden rule tend to be the most successful.

The final challenge for any angler that has a major tournament on his home water is the mental side. The problem is that you have so much history and know too many places to go and catch fish. For example, if the spot you start on does not pay off, you start to second-guess your game plan. It’s hard to win on your home water. There’s more self-inflicted pressure to contend with for the win because you’re the local favorite.

My goal is to try and take it one day and one fish at a time and hopefully be in contention on the final day. Fish the moment!

If you get the chance, come out to the daily weigh-in April 5-8 starting at 3 p.m. at Red River South Marina located off U.S. 71 just south of Bossier City. I’m looking forward to seeing you there and hopefully you’ll see me standing in the winner’s circle. Good luck, good fishing, and wear your sunscreen!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Notice of Death – March 30, 2023

March 31, 2023 / harrietpenrod

Dennis Pang
February 27, 1959 — March 28, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Boone Funeral Home and Crematory, 2156 Airline Drive, Bossier City.

Jeffery Johnson
September 24, 1963 — March 27, 2023
Celebration of Life: Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 3:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport.

Michael Wallette
January 1, 1973 — March 28, 2023
Memorial: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport.

Larry Palmo
September 14, 1952 — March 24, 2023
Viewing: Friday, March 31, 2023, 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Family Hour: Friday, March 31, 2023, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 1028 Par Road 219, Lisbon.

Barbara O’Brien
August 21, 1937 — March 28, 2023
Visitation: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.

Kenneth Dennis
May 8, 1948 — March 14, 2023
Visitation: Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

Diana Mae Lucas
July 18, 1959 — March 20, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, 1116 Amulet Street, Natchitoches.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Lawrence Serenity Sanctum.

Katrina E. Ford
July 30, 1980 — March 21, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Israelite B.C., 10437 Hwy 3, Plain Dealing.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Ford Wilson Cemetery, Plain Dealing.

Antonio D’Shay Smith
November 20, 1977 — March 22, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at New Bethel MBC, 3300 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at East Point Mt Zion B.C., 2570 US 71, Coushatta.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Fellowship Cemetery, 270 Morgan Bayou Road, Coushatta.

Rose Mary Russell
July 12, 1962 — March 24, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Memorial Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew B.C., 2240 David Raines Road, Shreveport.

Calvin Deal
November 22, 1951 — March 16, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Galilee Baptist Church, Colquit Road, Keithville.

Master Kylon Stromile, Jr.
March 7, 1946 — March 24, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Oil City United Pentecostal Church.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Lake Zion Cemetery, Belcher.

Dorothy VanDyke Mickle
September 6, 1928 — March 24, 2023
Visitation: Sunday, April 2, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Monday, April 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church, 804 Allen Avenue, Shreveport.
Interment: Monday, April 3, 2023, following service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 6915 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Pearl P. Holmes
October 28, 1946 — March 24, 2023
Visitation: Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Wednesday, April 5, 2023, following service at Carver Cemetery, Kennie Road, Shreveport.

Catherine S. Johnson
October 5, 1954 — March 21, 2023
Viewing: Friday, March 31, 2023, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Family Hour: Friday, March 31, 2023, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, 4725 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, 4725 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.

Shylonda D. Bingham
September 14, 1964 — March 23, 2023
Viewing: Friday, March 31, 2023, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.

Larry Bradley Ingles
January 27, 1952 — March 23, 2023
Graveside Service: Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Mount Zion Cemetery, Long Wood.

Victoria Reames LaSyone
March 19, 1946 — March 29, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4400 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.

Hueyray Harvey Daniels
October 26, 1946 — March 28, 2023
Viewing: Friday, April 7, 2023, 1:00-4:45 p.m. at Shreveport Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 5307 Alex Lane, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 8, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Queen Ester Baptist Church, 201 Carrier Avenue, Benton.

Patsy Faye Coley
October 21, 1962 — March 28, 2023
Viewing: Friday, April 7, 2023, 1:00-4:45 p.m. at Shreveport Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 5307 Alex Lane, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 8, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 7010 Bostwick Road, Shreveport.

Marion Self
August 29, 1946 — March 23, 2023
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 8, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Grace Family Worship Center, 2665 Williamson Way, Shreveport.

James C. ‘Jimmy’ Zachary
April 26, 1953 — March 24, 2023
Visitation: Friday, April 14, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 E. 5th Street, Homer.
Memorial Service: Friday, April 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 405 E. 5th Street, Homer.

Sherry Hardin
January 13, 1941 — March 20, 2023
Visitation: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City.
Memorial Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City.

Billy Edward Miller
January 15, 1943 — March 26, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 14320 US-84, Logansport.

Charva Grim
September 20, 1964 — March 17, 2023
Memorial Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 5597 Shreveport Blanchard Hwy, Shreveport.

Curtis Paul Turner
April 10, 1939 — March 24, 2023
Memorial Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Drive, Shreveport.

Louis William Lambert
December 1, 1948 — March 22, 2023
Celebration of Life: Friday, March 31, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

Barbara Allen
December 1, 1965 — March 19, 2023
Viewing: Friday, March 31, 2023, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Winnfield Funeral Home, 3701 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Winnfield Funeral Home, 3701 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at St. Paul B.C. Cemetery, 431-473 Koran-Doyline Raod, Haughton.

Carolyn A. Porter
June 25, 1953 — March 20, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel MBC, 3300 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Lincoln Cemetery.

Willie Powell, Jr.
June 4, 1951 — March 22, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport.

Brad G. Rogers
July 12, 1958 — March 22, 2023
Visitation: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church of Homer, 1993 LA-3062, Homer.
Memorial Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church of Homer, 1993 LA-3062, Homer.

Mickey Wayne Brown
February 12, 1952 — March 15, 2023
Visitation: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Bossier City, 201 John Wesley Blvd., Bossier City.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Bossier City, 201 John Wesley Blvd., Bossier City.

Shelton Ardis McCrainey, Jr.
October 12, 1947 — March 16, 2023
Viewing: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Winnfield Funeral Home, 3701 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport.

Barbara Kay Miller
September 26, 1949 — March 18, 2023
Graveside Service: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Falcon Cemetery, Nevada County, Ark.

Robert Gaither Webb
July 13, 1966 — March 16, 2023
Memorial Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Residence, 705 Gum Street, Logansport.

Dazetta Jones Moran
August 14, 1944 — March 18, 2023
Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Russell Road Church of Christ, 1852 Russell Road, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, April 1, 2023, following service at Lincoln Memorial Park.

Doris Elaine Finke Schmit
February 21, 1952 — March 18, 2023
Memorial Service: Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church, 1915 Grover Place, Shreveport.

Barbara Piazza
May 23, 1952 — March 16, 2023
Visitation: Friday, April 7, 2023, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Believers Worship Center, 6068 LA-3, Benton.
Memorial Service: Friday, April 7, 2023, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Believers Worship Center, 6068 LA-3, Benton.

Freddy Bruce Studdard
May 4, 1946 — December 23, 2022
Graveside Service: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 1:00-1:30 p.m. at Mount Paran Cemetery, 3749 Mt. Paran Church Road, Social Circle, Ga.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $90. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com)

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March 30, 2023

March 30, 2023March 31, 2023 / NPJ

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Merger incorporates Village Water into Bossier Parish system

March 30, 2023March 30, 2023 / NPJ

***IT’S A DONE DEAL: Officials and stakeholders attended Tuesday’s signing of papers that merged Village Water with Bossier Parish’s Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District 1.***

JOURNAL STAFF

Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District 1 of Bossier Parish has grown by just over 3,600 customers with the completion of a merger that incorporates Village Water into the parish system.

Tuesday’s merger with Village Water completes a process of studies and negotiations with the Bossier Parish Police Jury that began more than a decade ago.

Village Water covers an area stretching east along U.S. Highway 80 from Bellevue Road to near the border of Bossier and Webster parishes and includes several subdivisions, businesses and sites of new developments.

“We are merging with a very good water system and with the resources the police jury can bring in the form of grants and low interest loans, we hope to make the system even better,” said Glenn Benton, District 2 representative on the jury.

Roughly 80 percent of Benton’s police jury district lies within the boundaries of Village Water. Officials said the merger was approved following a vote by the Village Water board. Customers will see new rates reflected on bills in May.

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Deadline approaching to participate in 318 Restaurant Week

March 30, 2023March 30, 2023 / NPJ

JOURNAL STAFF

Calling all restaurants! 318 Restaurant Week is returning May 7-13, 2023.

This community-wide celebration invites locals and visitors to experience Shreveport-Bossier’s restaurant scene. The seven-day festival, focused on spotlighting locally-owned eateries in the Shreveport-Bossier area, is organized by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.

Restaurants in Caddo and Bossier parishes can participate in 318 Restaurant week by offering a $10 breakfast, $10 lunch, and/or $20 dinner special. The cost to participate is a $50 gift card to your restaurant, which will be used only for promotional purposes by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, including vacation giveaway packages, the 318 Restaurant Giveaway, and meals for travel journalists and media.

Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, owner of Lagniappe P.R.I.M.E., LLC, has been selected by the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau as the 318 Restaurant Week Coordinator for 2023.

“318 Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity for the Shreveport-Bossier community to support local restaurants while enjoying wonderful and unique dining experiences,” said Stacy Brown, president of the SBCTB.

“We are two cities offering a taste of authenticity that you truly cannot experience anywhere else. We’ve seen restaurants participate in this event year-after-year because it helps bring new customers through their doors and attention to our incredible cuisine.”

Gift cards can be given to Lagniappe P.R.I.M.E., LLC, dropped off in person, or mailed to:

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
Attn: Communications Department
629 Spring Street
Shreveport, LA, 71101

The deadline to register for 318 Restaurant Week is April 14, 2023. To register and for more information, contact Emerie Eck Holtzclaw at eat318@sbctb.org or complete the 318 Restaurant Week interest form at www.Shreveport-Bossier.org/RestaurantWeek/Interest.

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NIH research program is asking All of Us to join in health research

March 30, 2023March 30, 2023 / NPJ

PART OF THE MISSION: Calvary Baptist and LSU football standout Greedy Williams (at left), who recently signed with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, joins tour manager Jacob Martinez at the All of Us traveling exhibit at Southern University Shreveport. (Photo by HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD)

By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the All of Us Journey traveling educational exhibit was on site at Southern University Shreveport as part of the organization’s efforts to bring the program into underrepresented communities.

The mission of the All of Us Research Program — from the National Institutes of Health – is to speed up health research. To do this, the program is asking one million or more people to share their health information. It is the hope that researchers can use the information to conduct thousands of studies.

“We’re trying to speed up the development of individualized health care,” All of Us representative Keita Hall told the crowd gathered in the parking lot of SUSLA. “We want to build up a database – particularly in underrepresented communities.”

In the past, medical research has left many people behind – particularly African Americans.

“We want to change that by including everyone,” said Jacob Martinez, one of the program’s tour managers. “In general, health research does not give us enough information because 80 percent or more of the clinical trials that take place include older white males. We want to reflect the diversity in the United States.”

Crowds gathered on both days to meet and greet local All of Us spokesperson Greedy Williams, the Calvary Baptist and LSU football star who recently signed a one-year deal to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I became part of the program after doing some research,” said Williams, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. “It’s great (for the program) to come into this type of community. It gives us a chance. I’m happy to come here and do it.”

Williams told the crowd he enjoyed returning to Shreveport to “touch, reach, and teach” people.

“I love being here,” said Williams. “I love y’all’s energy. All of us athletes appreciate your support. I’m excited. Let’s take pictures and videos. Let’s have fun. That’s why I’m here.”

Visitors were encouraged to tour the exhibit, learn about the program, and – hopefully – join on-site. The traveling exhibit features interactive activities designed to demonstrate the power of each individual’s participation in health research.

Participants share their health data online, including health surveys and electronic health records. They may also be asked to share physical measurements, and saliva, blood, or urine samples. Personal information is removed from all data and samples are stored in a secure biobank.

Researchers use the data to find patterns so they can understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy. Participants can get health information that matters, including DNA results at no cost.

You can explore the data at JoinAllofUs.org/ResearchCorner, contact the Support Center at (833) ALL-OF-US for answers to any questions, or join by visiting JoinAllofUs.org/drive.

Next stop of the tour: Sci-Port Discovery Center

Sci-Port Discovery Center invites the community to visit the All of Us Journey and learn how you can help change the future of health. The traveling, hands-on exhibit will be at Sci-Port April 3-7 with hours each day from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Unlike a single research study focused on a specific disease or community, the All of Us Research Program will create a research resource to inform thousands of studies, covering a wide range of health conditions. This information could help researchers learn more about different diseases and treatments and improve health for generations to come.

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Bossier booking information: Christopher Wayne Perkins, felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Bond: $600,000

March 30, 2023March 30, 2023 / NPJ

Christopher Wayne Perkins

Age: 28
Race: White
Sex: Male

Current booking information:

14:80. Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Bond: $150,000
14:81. Indecent behavio with juveniles. Bond: $225,000
14:80. Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile.Bond: $225,000

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Caddo booking information: Mark Fulton Preddy Jr., possession of firearm, possession of CDS. Bond: $180,000

March 30, 2023 / NPJ

Mark Fulton Preddy Jr.

Age: 45
DOB: 3/25/1978
Race: White
Sex: Male

Current booking information:

Description: Manufacture – distribution of schedule II. Bond: $30,000
Description: Possession of firearm/possession of cds. Bond: $150,000

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Deal to renew Tech-ULM football series is done, but kickoff will wait seven years

POPULAR DEMAND: Fans on both sides of the Louisiana Tech-ULM rivalry are expected to fill Aillet Stadium in Ruston when the Bulldogs and Warhawks kick off seven years from now. (Photo courtesy Louisiana Tech)

JOURNAL SPORTS

The Louisiana Tech-ULM neighborhood football rivalry is back on, albeit several years away from kicking off.

Wednesday, the schools announced a two-game, home-and-home scheduling agreement to meet in 2030 and 2031.

The renewal of the rivalry is Sept. 21, 2030 at Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston and the following season on Sept. 13, 2031, at Malone Stadium in Monroe.

The two programs were scheduled to face one another in 2020 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, but the game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the ULM football program.

The programs have met a total of 43 times with Louisiana Tech leading the all-time series, 30-13. The Bulldogs have won eight straight over the Warhawks, including the last meeting which was a 42-19 victory on Nov. 11, 2000, in Monroe.

At its peak in the 1980s, the annual contests filled both stadiums and generated intense interest. Tech shifted to the FBS ranks (then Division I-A) in 1987 and exited the Southland Conference, just before ULM (then Northeast Louisiana, led by Shreveport-Southwood quarterback Stan Humphries) soared to the NCAA Division I-AA championship, with former Tech player and assistant coach Pat Collins as head coach. A 44-7 ULM rout in Ruston that year was the last Warhawks’ triumph; the Bulldogs won the eight meetings since, annual home-and-home contests ending in 1991, then picking up again for four years from 1997-2000.

Louisiana Tech athletic department spokesman Kane Maguire said existing non-conference football contracts already in place were among the factors that kept the nearby rivals from colliding any sooner than seven years from now.

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More big district baseball games on tap; local power ratings

JOURNAL SPORTS

Baseball season is at or near the mid-point of many districts’ schedule and today’s slate of games is loaded with key matchups in Districts 1-5A, 1-4A and 1-2A.

Beginning with 1-5A, today’s games will be the front-end of a two-game set between the schools with today’s home teams traveling to their opponent Saturday. Today’s games pair up Benton (12-12, 4-2) playing at district co-leader Airline (11-10, 5-1), the other co-leader Parkway (16-4, 5-1) hosting Haughton (15-7, 2-4) and Byrd (14-10, 2-4) at Captain Shreve (13-8, 4-2).

In District 1-4A there are four teams undefeated in the district but only two will still be unblemished after today’s games. Northwood (18-5, 4-0) leads the district and will host Minden (14-7, 2-0). Just one game behind Northwood in the win column, Evangel (7-16, 3-0) will travel to Stonewall to face North DeSoto (18-5, 3-0).

District 1-2A plays three-game series against each other over two days with single games today and doubleheaders on Friday. Lakeside (11-8, 1-2) will start its series with first-place Calvary (12-9, 3-0) today before hosting a doubleheader Friday. Loyola (4-18, 3-6) will travel to Farmerville to play D’Arbonne Woods (8-11, 1-2) before hosting a double dip Friday.

BYRD 5, MANY 4: The Yellow Jackets used a four-run seventh inning rally to get the non-district win at home Wednesday. Blayne Kent scored from third on a passed ball for the winning run.

Baseball power ratings

Non-Select Division I

6. Parkway

Haughton

Benton

Airline

Non-Select Division II

Bossier

Non-Select Division IV

Plain Dealing

Select Division I

6. Captain Shreve

Northwood

Byrd

Southwood

Select Division II

Evangel

Woodlawn

Select Division III

Calvary

North Caddo

Loyola

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Calvary softball starts district with run-rule win; local power ratings

JOURNAL SPORTS

Calvary Baptist’s softball powerhouse won its eighth straight in taking a 14-4 five-inning District 1-2A run-rule defeat of Lakeside Wednesday at home.

The Lady Cavaliers, the No. 1 rated team in Select Division I power ratings, got their initial district win as Mary Grace Woodle hit two home runs in three at bats, DJ Lynch was 2-for-3 with a home run and Tavia Leadon was 3-for-4. Kynzee Anderson had seven strikeouts in three innings of work inside the circle for Calvary (19-8, 1-0).

Calvary will play host to Ouachita Christian (16-10) today before a big game on Saturday against Non-Select Division II top rated North DeSoto (25-2).

EVANGEL 19, HUNTINGTON 1: The Lady Eagles needed just three innings to get the District 1-4A win as Caroline Tew was 2-for-2 with two RBI and Gabbi Olague and Kamdyn Harmson had doubles. Evangel (7-17, 2-4) had just five hits but took advantage of 11 walks.

Here is how local teams stand in the power ratings through Tuesday’s games according to Geauxpreps.com:

Non-Select Division I

8. Airline

Haughton

Benton

Parkway

Non-Select Division II

Bossier

Non-Select Division IV

Plain Dealing

Select Division I

Northwood

Captain Shreve

Huntington

Caddo Magnet

Byrd

Southwood

Select Division II

Evangel

Woodlawn

Select Division III

Calvary

Loyola

North Caddo

Green Oaks

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Wednesday’s baseball, softball scoreboard; today’s schedule

College Baseball

Wednesday’s scores

Louisiana Christian 12, Centenary 2, 7 innings
Paris 12-8, BPCC 8-14

Today’s games

Centenary at John Melvin, DH, 10:15 a.m.

Tennessee at LSU, 7 p.m.

College Softball

Wednesday’s scores

No games scheduled

Today’s games

No games scheduled

High School Baseball

Wednesday’s scores

Byrd 5, Many 4
Huntington 18, Homer 11

Today’s games

District 1-5A

Benton (12-12, 4-2) at Airline (11-10, 5-1)

Byrd (14-10, 2-4) at Captain Shreve (13-8, 4-2)

Haughton (15-7, 2-4) at Parkway (16-4, 5-1)

District 1-4A

Minden (14-7, 2-0) at Northwood (18-5, 4-0)

Evangel (7-16, 3-0) at North DeSoto (18-5, 3-0)

BTW (0-4, 0-4) at Woodlawn (1-5, 0-3)

District 1-2A

Lakeside (11-8, 1-2) at Calvary (12-9, 3-0)

Loyola (4-18, 3-6) at D’Arbonne Woods (8-11, 1-2)

Non-District

St. Mary’s (13-9) at Southwood (3-17)

Converse (16-2) at North Caddo (10-8)

High School Softball

Wednesday’s scores

Calvary 14, Lakeside 4
Evangel 19, Huntington 1
Plain Dealing 15-15, Bossier 2-11

Today’s games

District 1-4A

BTW (4-10, 3-4) at Minden (14-11, 6-1)

Caddo Magnet (10-7, 3-3) at Huntington (5-3, 1-3)

Non-District

Many (16-10) at Airline (19-7)

Castor (5-9) at Captain Shreve (13-7)

D’Arbonne Woods (14-10) at Byrd (1-17)

Saline (10-7) at Southwood (2-20)

Lakeside (14-9) at Evangel (6-17)

Ouachita Christian (16-10) at Calvary (18-8)

River Oaks (10-7) at Loyola (7-8)

North Caddo (1-8) at Logansport (16-7)

Schedules are subject to cancellations and postponements.

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Calvary’s Hill tops 1-2A boys’ basketball all-district squad